Temazcal Toci

Synopsis

SYNOPSIS

In an intimate prayer dedicated to Temazcal Toci, an ancient Mexica divinity, this documentary invites us to reflect upon our bond with Mother Earth and our connection to the spiritual world. It explores the different ways to practice the Temazcal, a sacred ritual that has been preserved in Mesoamerica for thousands of years. While watching the unravelling of this little-known ceremony, we’ll hear from experts explaining the history, benefits and wisdom behind this ancient medicine and get a glimpse of the vibrant culture that is the pulse of Mexico.

THE TEMAZCAL

From the Nahuatl word ‘Temas’ meaning steam and ‘Calli’ meaning house, the Temazcal is a pre-Hispanic practice that has remained part of the daily life of the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica. After centuries of prohibition, today we are witnessing the evolution and growing interest in this traditional medicine and the potential of its uses and benefits.

These steam baths are semi-spherical or square structures made of different materials and sizes, and have therapeutic, midwifery, social and even ceremonial functions. During their practice, volcanic stones previously heated to red heat are placed in a ceremonial fire and then water prepared with medicinal plants is poured over them, generating steam that promotes the elimination of toxins through sweating.

In the Mexica cosmogony, the Temazcal represents the womb of our Mother Earth; a sacred healing place where women and men can enter to purify themselves, heal themselves and be reborn under the care of the protective divinity of the Temazcales: Temazcal Toci.

Director's Text

" When I discovered the Temazcal in 2012, something in me changed inexorably. Since then I have not stopped researching and exploring about this ancient ceremony that has come to our modern world. Much more than a simple medicinal bath, I realized that the Temazcal is a path of life, in which one can find oneself, heal, grow and reconnect with the origin of life.

But how can we talk about a ritual that is lived in silence, darkness and the warmth of a mother's womb? How can we get to know this medicine without experiencing it with all our senses? Why is it that until now no documentary filmmaker has dared to share information about these Mesoamerican steam baths?

Guided by these questions, through this documentary I attempt to take the viewer on a journey into the mystery, depth and beauty of this ritual, accompanied by the poetry of the images and the voices of women and men who have safeguarded this knowledge."

Laetitia GUERIN